Optical Terminal Stub Cable Connector Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-port optical connection terminals for fiber optic communications networks face security concerns with stub cable connections, requiring improved features for secure and efficient connection management.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical connection terminal with a stub cable connector system that includes a main body and connector body, positioned within an exterior channel and stub cable port, featuring retainers and an adhesive for secure attachment, and a furcation block for fiber separation, allowing for quick and secure connection of pre-connectorized drop cables to a distribution cable at a branch point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stub cables are connected to terminals to provide connection to distribution cable at mid-span location, then fiber optic network connectivity is achieved, but security concerns arise with the stub cable connection
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is divided into separate functional components: a housing that protects internal elements, a stub cable connector that securely receives the stub cable, and adapter assemblies that interface with drop cables. This segmentation allows the stub cable connection to be secured within the housing while maintaining external accessibility through the adapter interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The stub cable connector is positioned within the terminal housing, creating a nested structure where the connector body extends through the housing wall. The retainer is nested within the connector body, and the adhesive is applied within the connector structure. This nesting provides security while maintaining external access through the housing wall opening.
2Ease of operation
If field technicians need to connect, disconnect or reconfigure optical connections, then ease of operation is improved, but the need to enter closure at mid-span access location increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The connection and reconfiguration operations are extracted from the closure environment and moved to the terminal location. The adapter assembly with connector ports is positioned on the external surface of the housing, allowing technicians to perform all connection operations without entering the closure. Only the stub cable itself needs to be accessed through the housing wall, not the entire closure.
3Reliability
If retainers and adhesive are used for secure attachment of stub cable connector, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer and adhesive are combined as complementary securing mechanisms within the same connector structure. The retainer provides mechanical retention while the adhesive provides chemical bonding, creating a dual-security system without requiring separate complex assemblies. The adhesive is applied within the connector body to bond the stub cable to the connector structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the security and ease of connection/disconnection of stub cables, reducing mechanical stress during field installation and facilitating efficient reconfiguration of optical connections in fiber optic networks.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection terminal for a fiber optic communications network includes a base, the base comprising an exterior wall. The terminal further includes a cover connected to the base, wherein an interior cavity is defined between the base and the cover. The cover includes a bottom panel, a first end wall, a second opposing end wall, a first sidewall, and a second opposing sidewall, wherein the bottom panel extends between the first end wall and opposing second end wall and between the first side wall and second opposing sidewall. The terminal further includes an exterior channel defined in the bottom panel, and a stub cable port defined in the bottom panel within the exterior channel of the cover. The terminal further includes a plurality of connector ports defined in the exterior wall of the base.